Free WiFi Hotspot

WiFi Hotspot software turns a computer into a wireless access point, and Free WiFi Hotspot by FreeWiFiHotspot Co., Ltd. does exactly that on Windows. It uses the PC's own Wi-Fi adapter to create a private hotspot, so phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, smart TVs and other Wi-Fi devices can go online through the computer's connection.

The program can share a compatible Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB tethering or mobile Internet connection. Which connection types are available depends on the PC and its network adapter. No additional router is required: the Windows PC and its Wi-Fi adapter act as a virtual hotspot. The current release supports Windows 11 and Windows 10; there are no versions for Mac or Linux.

Setup is done from one straightforward interface. You choose a hotspot name and a password, select the Internet connection you want to share and start the hotspot. On the other device you open the Wi-Fi settings, pick the new network and enter the password. The developer recommends a unique password rather than reusing a router, email or Microsoft account password.

Free WiFi Hotspot lets you share a PC's Internet connection over Wi-Fi with phones, tablets and laptops without needing an additional router.

The hotspot works only when the Wi-Fi adapter and its driver support hosted-network or hotspot functionality, and Windows may ask for administrator approval during installation and network configuration. If other devices connect but cannot browse, the usual causes are a source connection that is not shared correctly, a VPN intercepting traffic, or Windows Firewall and network services that need a restart. The hotspot does not bypass hotel or airline device limits or authentication.

Overall, Free WiFi Hotspot is a free and simple way to share one Internet connection from a Windows PC with nearby devices when no router is at hand. The interface is available in 11 languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, German, French and Japanese. The current installer is not digitally signed, so Windows may show an unknown-publisher prompt; the official site publishes a SHA-256 hash for checking the downloaded file.